Roush: A Distinguished Career in Business Journalism and Education
The intersection of financial reporting and academic mentorship requires a rare blend of practical experience and pedagogical skill. Throughout his career, Roush has bridged this gap, transitioning from a high-profile career as a business journalist to becoming a leading educator in the field of media and journalism.
Professional Journalism Experience
Roush established a robust foundation in business reporting, contributing to some of the most respected news organizations in the United States. His portfolio includes work for The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, The Tampa Tribune, BusinessWeek magazine, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
His leadership capabilities were further demonstrated during his tenure at Bloomberg News and SNL Financial. Between 1989 and 2002, while serving as editor in chief at SNL Financial, he successfully launched Insurance Investor magazine.
Contributions to Journalism Education
Transitioning into academia, Roush shared his industry expertise with the next generation of reporters. He began teaching business journalism at Washington & Lee University during the 2000-01 academic year and continued at the University of Richmond from 2001-02.
His most significant academic impact occurred at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), where he held the title of Walter E. Hussman, Sr. Distinguished Professor in business journalism. His leadership roles at the School of Media and Journalism included serving as the director of the master's program from 2007 to 2010 and as the senior associate dean from 2011 to 2015.
In recognition of his excellence in teaching, Roush received the 2009 Charles E. Scripps Award for Journalism Education. This national teacher of the year honor is granted by the Scripps Howard Foundation in partnership with the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Authorship and Literary Works
Beyond the classroom and the newsroom, Roush is a prolific author with ten books to his credit. His most recent work, The Future of Business Journalism: Why It Matters for Wall Street and Main Street, examines the evolving landscape of financial reporting.
His diverse writing history includes specialized corporate and biographical works, such as the history of the Hickory-based Alex Lee food business, a history of Progress Energy, and a biography of the renowned Wall Street Journal editor, Vermont Royster.
Additionally, he oversaw the publication of Master Class: Teaching Advice for Journalism and Mass Communication Instructors, a resource produced by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication's standing committee on teaching.
To further support the professional community, Roush founded Talking Biz News, a dedicated news website focusing on the lives and work of business journalists.
Key Facts
- Career Span: Served as editor in chief at SNL Financial from 1989 to 2002.
- Academic Leadership: Senior Associate Dean at UNC-Chapel Hill (2011-2015).
- Major Award: Winner of the 2009 Charles E. Scripps Award for Journalism Education.
- Publications: Author of ten books, including a biography of Vermont Royster.
- Entrepreneurship: Founder of the industry website Talking Biz News.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Media Outlets | Bloomberg News, BusinessWeek, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and others. |
| Academic Institutions | UNC-Chapel Hill, University of Richmond, Washington & Lee University. |
| Key Publications | The Future of Business Journalism; Master Class. |
| Specialized Roles | Editor in Chief (SNL Financial), Senior Associate Dean (UNC). |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which magazines and news agencies did Roush work for?
Roush worked for a variety of prestigious outlets, including Bloomberg News, BusinessWeek magazine, The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, The Tampa Tribune, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
What is the significance of the Charles E. Scripps Award?
The Charles E. Scripps Award is a national teacher of the year honor given to outstanding journalism educators by the Scripps Howard Foundation and the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
What roles did Roush hold at UNC-Chapel Hill?
He served as the Walter E. Hussman, Sr. Distinguished Professor, the director of the master's program (2007-2010), and the senior associate dean of the School of Media and Journalism (2011-2015).
How many books has Roush written?
Roush has written ten books, which include corporate histories, a biography of Vermont Royster, and his most recent work on the future of business journalism.
What is Talking Biz News?
Talking Biz News is a news website founded by Roush that focuses specifically on business journalists.